Let us try to understand a little bit more about what this struggle for Islam is all about.

Revival of Islam in its comprehensive form

First, this work of the UK Islamic Mission is about reviving Islam in its comprehensive form in the lives of the Muslims in the UK. When Islam will become relevant to our individual and collective lives, only then its objectives and ideals for human life and society will begin to make sense and be appreciated and respected by the society at large.

0 Believers, enter into the fold of Islam completely and do not follow the footsteps of Satan, for he is your open enemy.

(al-Baqarah 2: 205)

In light of this Quranic verse, the UKIM believes that all dimensions of Islam must be revived and established in human life and society. Islam is not just a set of rituals and a few do’s and don’ts. It is rather an all embracing and balanced system that encompasses both the inner (i.e. spiritual and moral) and outer dimensions (social, economic and political) of human life and society. The Glorious Quran offers guidance for every sphere of human life: individual, social, economic, political and international. This guidance includes a set of universal beliefs, acts of worship, as well as moral, social and economic values and principles that provide a coherent framework for life. It is our belief that submission to Allah alone, in both our individual and collective life, can help people maintain their human dignity and become uptight and truly free.

Islam demands that Muslims not only obey Allah alone in the mosques, but wherever they are, and in whatever activities they are engaged in. Allah alone must be worshipped and obeyed in our private lives as well as in collective and public life - in the homes, mosques, economic pursuits and social events, as well as in the courts of law and the corridors of power. Muslims must obey Allah and follow His revealed guidance in all walks of life, whether they are acting in the capacity of parents, employees, teachers, judges, traders, or leaders. This is an important point which was regrettably forgotten by the later generations of Muslims in Spain, and which led to dire consequences. Unfortunately, the Muslims today have also reduced Islam to a few rituals and have limited the obedience of Allah to the personal and private aspects of life only. In the spheres of collective and public life Allah’s guidance is totally ignored. ‘Ibis must change if we are to make Islam relevant to our times and society, and see it take roots in the totality of human life and society.

Revival of the Islamic Mission

Second, this struggle of the UK Islamic Mission is about reviving the mission of Islam in the hearts and minds of the Muslims, and preparing them to strive for the betterment of society. The UKIM believes that Islam is not only to be practiced in the private quarters of our lives, but it is a mission and a social and political movement for establishing peace, justice and harmony in society and the entire world. Muslims are required to invite humanity to Islam — God’s Way. They must also enjoin good and forbid all forms of wrongs and injustices prevalent in society and the state. Even a cursory reading of the Glorious Quran will indicate clearly that the Muslim community is charged with this noble and challenging purpose and mission.

You are the best community that has ever been raised for humanity; you enjoin the doing of what is right and forbid what is wrong, and you believe in God.

(Al-lmran 3:110)

Thus, the Muslim community cannot have an attitude of indifference to the problems and issues of the wider community and society. They are, on the contrary, enjoined to rise above selfish interests and come out of their private and narrow worlds and engage in the affairs of society, striving to the utmost of their abilities in the process.

As we know, in Islam there is no priesthood or clergy. Every Muslim is equally accountable to Allah for discharging his/her Islamic duties and responsibilities. The mission of Islam is therefore not only for the scholars and Ulama to pursue, but it is for all Muslims, young and old, men and women. Neither is this mission only for the very pious and the pure amongst us, or only to be performed by paid workers but all Muslims must be involved in this noble work. Thus, it is incumbent on all Muslims to come forward, join hands and strive in the Way of Allah.

Thus We have appointed you the community (Ummah,), justly balanced so that you be witnesses unto humanity and the Messenger a witness over you.

(al-Baqarah 2: 143)

The UKIM believes that there can be no room for complacency or indifference towards social ills. A need to change and improve society should arise not only because Muslims are threatened, wronged or oppressed, but also it is part of our iman (faith). Pursuing the mission of Islam is explicit in the Shahada (declaration of faith). Iman (faith) demands that efforts for eradicating immoralities, injustices and corruption from society should be continuous, ongoing and ceaseless and they should be intentional and planned. Neither the love of those who are dear to us, nor the comforts of life should blur the vision, reduce the enthusiasm or hinder any Muslim from striving in the way of Allah.

The UKIM believes that there can be no room for complacency or indifference towards social ills. A need to change and improve society should arise not only because Muslims are threatened, wronged or oppressed, but also it is part of our iman (faith). Pursuing the mission of Islam is explicit in the Shahada (declaration of faith). Iman (faith) demands that efforts for eradicating immoralities, injustices and corruption from society should be continuous, ongoing and ceaseless and they should be intentional and planned. Neither the love of those who are dear to us, nor the comforts of life should blur the vision, reduce the enthusiasm or hinder any Muslim from striving in the way of Allah.

Moving Forward

How can these ideas be translated into a practical strategy and program of work in the UK? Sensible people will not rush into action without giving thought to what the priorities of our efforts should be and how we should proceed. This task requires a good understanding of our current situation and the challenges the Muslim community faces in British society.

There is no doubt that the last decade has seen the Muslim community in the UK become more socially and politically active. We have seen more Muslim schools established. Minarets and domes of purpose built mosques are adorning the skylines of British cities. Greater efforts are being exerted to organize Muslim youth and women. A rich diversity of Islamic and community publications are in circulation. There is more use of the mainstream media. Even satellite channels owned by Muslims have started to he established. There are also larger businesses run by Muslims that are providing a broader range of products and services However, despite all these positive advances, there remains some confusion about how the Muslim community should move forward with Islam in society. Some Muslim groups in Britain are pushing the community along the sectarian lines. While others are pursuing defensive strategies aimed at largely securing the short-term gains for Muslims and only addressing their internal issues. Still others are holding very negative attitudes about society they live in — which prevents them from taking Islam forward. Adding to this confusion, the Muslim community is faced with numerous other problems, both from within and from without. Internal problems facing the community include the increasing alienation of Muslim youth, marital problem, drugs, crimes, poor educational achievements, and inter-group conflicts. From the wider society the Muslim community is confronted with the deep-seated Islam-a-phobia and historical prejudices against Islam and Muslims.

UKIM believes that the Muslim community has to come forward, take a lead, contribute positively and creatively, and engage in the moral and spiritual uplifting of society as a whole.

(UKIM Our Message, Our Invitation)

With this situation, how do we move forward with Islam in British society? The UKIM believes that the task, which the Muslims in the West lace, is not just limited to addressing their internal problems, safeguarding their faith and cultural identity, or just addressing Islam-a- phobia. It is more complex and challenging than this. The way forward for the Muslim community is not to passively isolate itself from the wider society and resist the onslaught of secular ideologies. Rather, the UKIM believes that the Muslim community has to come forward, take a lead, contribute positively and creatively, and engage in the moral and spiritual uplifting of society as a whole. This suggests that Muslims need to become more active in the affairs and issues of the mainstream society. as well as becoming culturally and spiritually vibrant. Thus, the way forward lies in the revival of Islam in its entirety, and to enthuse, mobilize, educate and organize the Muslim community for conveying the message of Islam in society. This must he the priority of the Muslim Community. It is our belief that efforts in this direction will help in taking Islam further and deeper into the British society and build a brighter future for all people.